From 1 August 2025, all membership applications and renewals will be dealt with at the Talbot Campus Library helpdesk only. You will need to have a valid membership card to enter the Bournemouth Gateway Building and use the Weston Library - we will no longer be issuing new cards or renewing existing memberships at this site.
For subscription membership, please email [email protected] for details of how to join and how to pay your fee.
For other membership types, please come to the helpdesk of The Sir Michael Cobham Library on Talbot campus during our staffed times.
Please note the following:
| Membership type | Documents required to join | Length of membership | Access (from 1 August 2024) |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Alumni and former staff |
Passport sized photo; *proof of address; **photo ID; confirmation email showing status - arrange in advance by contacting [email protected] |
Membership runs to the end of the current academic year (31 July each year) |
The Sir Michael Cobham Library Weston Library |
|
Subscription membership |
Passport sized photo; *proof of address; **photo ID; proof of payment - arrange in advance by contacting [email protected] |
One year from date of payment |
The Sir Michael Cobham Library Weston Library |
| Reference membership |
Passport sized photo; *proof of address within the BH postcode area; **photo ID |
Membership runs to the end of the current academic year (31 July each year) | The Sir Michael Cobham Library only |
|
External membership - AUB, BPC, Weymouth College, etc. |
Passport sized photo; *proof of address; valid student ID card |
Membership runs to the end of the current academic year (31 July each year) |
The Sir Michael Cobham Library only |
|
SCONUL Access |
Passport sized photo; *proof of address; valid student ID or Totum card; confirmation email from SCONUL – arrange in advance via their webpage |
Membership runs to the end of the current academic year (31 July each year) |
The Sir Michael Cobham Library only |
*Acceptable forms of proof of address are: bank statement, mortgage statement, utility bill or mobile phone bill issued within the last three months; local authority council tax bill for the current council tax year; current driving licence; NHS medical card or letter of confirmation from GP's practice of registration with the surgery.
**Acceptable forms of photo ID are: current passport; current driving licence; residence permit; national identity card
Please be aware that if you don't provide the correct documentation and a passport sized photograph we will be unable to complete your application.
Once you've successfully joined we'll issue you with a BU Library ID card. Please carry this with you whenever you visit the library.
Only those aged 16 or over are eligible to apply for membership of the library.